Ocean Conservancy is offering a travel scholarship to one working print, broadcast, or on-line journalist who covers environmental issues to attend the Fifth International Marine Debris Conference (5IMDC) entitled Wave of Change: Global Lessons to Inspire Local Action in Honolulu, Hawaii from March 20-25. The conference, which is co-sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), will bring together international marine debris researchers, natural resource managers, policy makers, industry representatives, the nongovernmental community, civil society and concerned citizens of the global community to focus on the problem of marine debris.

The world’s oceans are constantly polluted with a variety of marine debris ranging from soda cans to derelict fishing gear and abandoned vessels. Participants will share success stories – and the challenges that remain – in implementing recommendations from previous conferences and share innovative ideas. From investigations into the garbage patches in the Pacific and fees for plastic bags to closer-to-home coverage of beach clean-ups, marine debris and its consequences provide a variety of opportunities for storytelling.

This conference will examine what is known and still unknown about marine debris as well as potential solutions for this global problem. More information about the conference itself can be found at http://www.5imdc.org/media

Application/Scholarship Information:

Journalists who cover marine conservation issues are encouraged to apply. The travel scholarship of up to $3,000 will cover expenses for airfare and lodging, and arrangements will be discussed on an individual basis following the application process.

For the application, interested journalists should provide the following:

Less than 500 word explanation of why you want to attend the conference, including what type of story might include coverage of the conference

Brief bio or resume

Two Samples or links to your work focusing on conservation issues, preferably related to ocean issues